Peshawar pick 3 points

Islamabad, Oct26: Peshawar secured three points over first innings lead as their pool-B fixture against Rawalpindi ended in a draw after visitors set a tall target of 324 to win in 53 overs here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Peshawar's first innings centurion, middle order batsman Yasir Hameed slammed another fine knock of 81 off 122 balls with the help of seven fours and a six. He shared a solid 127 runs fourth wicket stand with Shoaib Khan who remained unbeaten at 52 (97 balls, 6x4) to steer the total to 204. After the departure of Yasir stumped by Ahmed Said off Wasim Ahmed, Peshawar declared their second innings at the total of 222 for 4 at lunch. Peshawar had secured a 101 runs first innings lead.

Rawalpindi's started their second innings cautiously, adding 27 for the first wicket. Left-arm opener Babar Naeem (21) dismissed to a snick off Nouman Habib followed a flow of wickets tumble led by some inspirational bowling spree by wrist spinner Mohammad Aslam. He claimed a haul of five wickets for 48 runs in 18 overs. Wicket-keeper opener Ahmed Said (30) also fell to Aslam caught off Yasir Hameed, followed by caught and bowl of Wasim Ahmed (17), Maqsood Aslam (7), Ziaul Haq (8) and Mohammad Sultan (14).

At tea Rawalpindi were 94 for 5. But, skipper Salman Shah (37 off 92 balls) kept his end secured to see off his team to a draw. Rawalpindi remained bogged down through out the match, their young guns saved them from follow-on with some fine batting display led by Shakil Nawaz (55), Yasir Ashfaq (42) and Ziaul Haq (41). incorporated Ahmed (30) and left-arm opener Babar Naeem (21)